Michelle Obama Hopes The New Kids Edition Of Her Memoir 'Becoming' Can 'Serve As A Conversation Starter'
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is expanding her audience. On February 3, the mom of two announced via social media that she's releasing a "young readers" edition of her bestselling memoir, Becoming, in hopes that it will bring generations of families together.
According to the publisher Penguin Random House, the new work, which will hit shelves on March 2, is aimed for kids aged 10 and up, and it will also include three photos and a special introduction written by Obama.
"Being honest about who I am and sharing my story in Becoming was one of the most freeing experiences of my life," she declared. "And one of the highlights of my experience was hearing from so many of you and getting into the kind of deep, honest conversations that leave everyone feeling more connected and nourished."
"My hope is that the young readers' edition of Becoming can serve as a conversation starter for you. Maybe it'll open up new dialogues with your children or grandchildren," she continued. "Maybe you can use it as an opportunity to begin a book club with the young people you know or use it as an excuse to invite them into your existing book club.
"I look forward to hearing all about the discussions that these new editions of Becoming spark with your loved ones—and what kind of parallels young people might draw from my story to their own."
If you plan to pick up a copy, make sure to share a photo on your own social media channel by using the hashtag #IAmBecoming and tagging Obama in your post.
"I want to hear it all!" she noted. "Whether it's revelatory, a little messy, or even downright uncomfortable, I'm always interested in what kind of new awareness a good conversation can bring."
Additionally, a paperback version of the memoir is set to be released on the same day. The publisher shared that it will include "a letter from the author to her younger self, and a book club guide with 20 discussion questions and a 5-question Q&A."
Obama released Becoming in 2018 to rave reviews: not only is the tome one of the bestselling memoirs of all time with more than 10 million copies sold, but she also won a Grammy for the audiobook. It also inspired a Netflix documentary and a 34-city book tour.